'Daredevil: Reborn': Reboot or Sequel?
One of Marvel Studios' most anticipated Disney+ series is also the most confusing, leaving fans questioning whether "Daredevil: Reborn" is the fourth season of Daredevil or a standalone story.
After Charlie Cox and Vincent Donofrio debuted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and even after announcing "Daredevil: Reborn" in 2022, Marvel Studios still hasn't made any promises about Netflix's Daredevil's canonical status.
After Marvel Studios decided to overhaul its 18-episode series, the issue is more relevant than ever.
Is "Daredevil: Reborn" just Season 4 of Daredevil?
Back in September 2022, Charlie Cox talked about whether Netflix's three seasons of Daredevil would continue in the MCU reboot.
According to Matt Murdoch's actor, "Daredevil: Reborn" is "the first season, not the fourth".
You know, Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, made it very clear that this is the first season, not the fourth. So, it's a brand new agreement. ”
Cox went on to point out the benefits of this "new agreement," such as "telling some of the stories again in the same way as in the comics:"
And, in a way, it's great because there's a chance that we'll tell some stories over and over again, just like they do in the comics. ”
At the time, Charlie Cox's comments were true. But today, this is no longer the case.
While production of the film began in March 2023, production was halted in June due to a Writers Guild of America strike, followed by a Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists strike.
Despite filming six episodes, Marvel Studios hit the pause button, opted to fire the writers of "Rebirth" and overhaul the project, now reversing the direction of the first season by linking it to Netflix series.
As a result, "Daredevil: Reborn" seems more like a revival than a reboot and more like a season four.
When asked if the MCU and the original Daredevil Kim weren't the same person, Vincent Donofrio confirmed it to The Hollywood Reporter, saying, "I think so" and that we "definitely only think it's directly related to the original Daredevil:"
I think so. As we relaunched all the creative for Daredevil Reborn, all the creatives got together and said, 'Listen, we have to do this now.'" So we definitely only think of it as a direct connection to the original Daredevil, which is a great thing. ”
As further evidence of the connection of "Rebirth" to the original show, Donofrio pointed to "all the side stories that happened in the three seasons of the original" and how the cast filmed the Disney+ episodes: "With all this history:"
It brings a lot of great stories and all the side stories that happened in the three seasons of the original. So we are now starting to start this 'rebirth' situation with all this history and the results of all this history. So we're all talking about 'Daredevil Reborn' in those terms now. ”
How "Rebirth" ties to Netflix's Daredevil
Since the resumption of filming in January 2024, the set** has only confirmed Donofrio's comments and "all this history".
While Deborah Ann Wall, who plays Karen Page in Daredevil, and Eldon Henson, who plays Fergie Nelson, reportedly didn't fall into Marvel Studios' original plans, both Netflix stars have now been spotted filming in New York.
In addition, there is evidence that Jon Bernthal's Punisher, another Marvel Netflix star, may be one of the main characters of "Reborn".
In addition, Wilson Bessel also confirmed that he will return to play Benjamin "Deckers" Poyndexter, who plays bullseye.
As further proof that "Daredevil: Reborn" is seen as a fourth season, Marvel Studios has officially named Daredevil, The Punisher, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and The Defenders as the Marvel Cinematic Universe after Echo's debut.
As of now, Daredevil, The Punisher, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Tekken, and The Defenders have been added to Disney+'s official Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline and appear between I Am Groot and the end of Phase 3.
Anticipation for "Daredevil: Reborn".
It's unlikely that Marvel Studios will call "Daredevil: Reborn" a fourth season.
Of course, this is understandable, as the show is now owned by Marvel Studios. However, thanks to the new direction of the series acknowledging the past, fans now know that this is a new chapter that is expected to begin after the end of the third season.
In addition to the familiar characters from Daredevil's first installment, as well as the expected MCU connections and cameos, "Daredevil: Reborn" is expected to introduce new characters.
On set**, it has been shown that Matt Murdoch, played by Cox, kissed actress Margarita Levieva for the role that has not yet been determined.
The presence of the Marvel Comics character White Tiger has also been confirmed, and she will make her debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
As production continues, fans should learn more about this revival work. Marvel